Combine Harvester Header Slip Detection and Blockage Clearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural harvesters, such as combine harvesters, experience header slip and stall events due to blockages caused by crop material or debris, leading to potential damage and operational stoppages.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using sensors, drivers, and processors to detect header slip or stall events, and implement auxiliary actions to disengage blockages by selectively displacing driven components, such as gathering chains and reels, and adjusting positions to clear obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the header operates continuously at harvest position, then productivity is improved, but blockages accumulate causing slip and stall events
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of blockage conditions through sensor monitoring of driven body operation parameters. When a blockage is detected, the system takes preliminary action by generating an auxiliary action signal to displace the header from the harvest position before a complete slip or stall event occurs, preventing damage while maintaining continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the operation of driven bodies through sensors and comparing actual performance against expected parameters. When deviations indicating blockage are detected, the system provides feedback signals to automatically adjust header position, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains reliability during continuous operation
2Reliability
If the header is displaced from harvest position to clear blockage, then reliability is improved, but productivity is reduced due to operational stoppage
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by displacing the header only partially from the harvest position - just enough to clear the blockage and restore normal operation. This minimal displacement is sufficient to resolve the issue while minimizing loss of productivity, avoiding complete shutdown or extensive repositioning
Solution Approach 2:
The system rapidly transitions the header from harvest position to cleared position and back, minimizing the time spent in non-harvesting states. The automatic detection and response system rushes through the blockage-clearing process quickly, reducing operational stoppage and maintaining high productivity
3Reliability
If sensors and control systems are added to detect and resolve blockages, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multi-functional components where existing header components serve multiple purposes. For example, the driven bodies that perform harvesting functions also serve as indicators of blockage conditions through their operational parameters. The controller integrates multiple functions including detection, decision-making, and actuation control, reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each function
Data Source
AI summary
Upon detection of a header slip or stall event involving one or more driven bodies of a header of a combine harvester, the header can be moved out of the crop material, and a drive system is disengaged. An auxiliary action can automatically displace a component(s) of the header to a location that can assist with clearing a blockage from the header. A driver of the drive system is automatically operated in reverse to displace the driven body(ies) in a direction that can move the blockage out of the header. The drive system can then automatically reengage, and, in connection with determining if the blockage has been cleared from the header, the driven bodies can again be driven in a direction associated with harvesting crop material. If the blockage is not cleared, a determination can be made as to whether an attempt can again be made to clear the blockage.